Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Dunwoody, GA: $21.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Dunwoody, GA runs $21.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Dunwoody's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,349 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Dunwoody, GA, is projected to be $21.11, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate can impact part-time and per-diem workers in various dental settings, such as general practices, pediatric offices, and surgical suites. For those working three days a week, this translates into a significant weekly income essential for covering regular expenses. Entry-level dental assistants in Dunwoody might earn around $16.51 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $27.01, illustrating a diverse range of earnings based on experience and specialization. As estimated from annual salary data, the hourly figures provide a glimpse into the financial landscape for those in this profession, particularly in a market influenced by local and national trends.
About the Dunwoody Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.51 | $132.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.01 | $152.07 |
| Median (P50) | $21.11 | $168.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.41 | $203.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.01 | $216.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunwoody
Based on $21.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.11/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunwoody, GA can expect to earn approximately $43,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,335. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dunwoody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunwoody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $844.51 | $3,660 | $43,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $506.71 | $2,196 | $26,349 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $337.80 | $1,464 | $17,566 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Dunwoody) | $21.11 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Dunwoody, GA earn a median of $43,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.42% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% below the Georgia state average of $45,323.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.11/hr = $26,349/year (purchasing power: $28,302).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,915/year (purchasing power: $47,169).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Dunwoody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Dunwoody grew 19.9% from $17.07/hr (2019) to $20.47/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunwoody metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Dunwoody
Exploring the earning potential further, a dental assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week would take home approximately $26,403 annually, whereas full-time counterparts could earn around $43,918. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Dunwoody can vary widely, with rates ranging from $22-$35 per hour in typical settings, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics may command up to $45. Dental assistants can find diverse opportunities across employer types, from solo practices to larger dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen. Those accepting lower hourly rates may gain health insurance benefits which often leads them to prioritize stability over a higher hourly wage that lacks such perks. For effective negotiation, dental assistants can emphasize their specialized skills, experience, and the potential for expanded function if certified, aligning with the evolving hiring practices shaped by DSO consolidation and industry standards.
More salary data for Dunwoody, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Dunwoody. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dunwoody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov